Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is arguably the region’s most important environmental resource. The bay is a significant economic asset. It is also a major recreational area.

The bay, which is bounded by Brazoria, Chambers, Harris, and Galveston counties, covers about 600 square miles. It is an estuary – an ecosystem where fresh and salt water mix. Galveston Island separates the bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Waters from the Trinity and San Jacinto rivers, Buffalo Bayou, and other waterways mix with water from the Gulf of Mexico via San Luis Pass and Bolivar Roads (the channel between Galveston Island and Bolivar). The bay is shallow, not more than 10 feet deep, except where it has been dredged to make the Houston Ship Channel.

Estuaries are among the most productive natural systems on the earth. Microscopic plants (phytoplankton) engage in photosynthesis, just like larger plants. On a per acre basis, as much carbon dioxide is converted into plant material in an estuary as is converted in a rain forest. The plant material is immediately eaten – the first step in the estuarine food chain. Without the estuarine food chain, there would be no speckled trout or redfish or flounder in the bay.

Galveston Bay is highly productive. It provides seafood for the region and for export. Ninety percent of the commercial fish and shellfish caught in the Bay and the Gulf of Mexico spend some part of their lives in Galveston Bay.

The bay offers diverse habitats, including emergent wetlands, oyster reefs, a river delta, mud flats seagrass beds, sand bars, and open water. Its wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation filter water, provide nursery areas for fish and shellfish, and protect the land from erosion. Colonial waterbirds, shorebirds, shrimp, crabs, oysters, finfish, and many other species call it home.

Three-fourths of all North America’s bird species, including several that are endangered, use Galveston Bay habitat. The town of High Island sits at the northern edge of the Bay. The town is famous for an Audubon bird sanctuary that attracts bird watchers from all over the world. During the spring migration, brightly colored neotropical birds from Central American fly 700 miles across the Gulf of Mexico to drop exhausted into the oak mottes at High Island.

The bay remains healthy despite intense urban development on its shores because it is relatively shallow, it is fed by several rivers, and it is frequently flushed in the winter by northerly winds that push huge amounts of water through major outlets at Bolivar Roads and San Luis Pass.

Galveston Bay is also the origin of the Houston Ship Channel, which goes through Bolivar Roads, Galveston Bay, the San Jacinto River, and Buffalo Bayou to the Port of Houston. The Port of Houston, as well as ports at Texas City and Galveston, is of major importance to our economy.The Port of Houston is now building a 1,050-acre container and cruise ship terminal in residential Southeast Harris County on Galveston Bay. The facility, called Bayport, has been opposed by nearby residents and several regional air and water groups. They claim that Bayport will add an estimated 6,000 trucks and 20 trains daily to Houston’s traffic, increasing nitrogen oxide emissions, a principal precursor of ground-level ozone, by five to ten tons per day. The opponents filed suit against the Army Corps of Engineers asking for a new environmental assessment before the permit to build the project was granted. A local court dismissed their suit, and the federal Fifth Circuit court denied their appeal in the fall of 2005.Growth and development are the source of most negative impacts on the bay.

Contaminated storm water runoff, or nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, remains the top water quality problem facing Galveston Bay. NPS pollution is transported to our waterways via rainfall runoff from diffuse, landbased sources such as businesses, industries, farms, roads, parking lots, septic tanks, marinas, and residential yards. This pollution has steadily increased as population and associated urban development have increased.

Increasing use of river water for residential, agricultural, and industrial uses, as well as construction of dams and reservoirs, has significantly reduced the amount of freshwater that enters Galveston Bay. The biological community in the bay depends on the natural balance of river and seawater; disrupting this mix can impact productivity.

Environmental attorney Jim Blackburn reports that environmental groups recently scored a significant legal victory when an Austin judge ruled that the groups could apply for water rights permits from the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality to protect freshwater inflows. The Matagorda Bay Foundation, the San Marcos River Foundation, the Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association, and the Galveston Bay Foundation, along with the Caddo Lake Institute, had filed permit applications for instream flows or freshwater inflows, beneficial uses that were identified in the rules of the TCEQ.Blackburn explains that usually an application can be processed and ultimately issued for beneficial uses identified in the rules. However, the TCEQ dismissed the applications without a hearing. Ultimately, the issue came to a head before Judge Suzanne Covington of the 201st District Court in Travis County. She ruled that the TCEQ had jurisdiction to consider applications for appropriation of water rights for instream uses and to protect inflows for our bays and estuaries, and that the groups have the right to a hearing on their applications. At this time, the TCEQ and the state Attorney General are determining whether or not to appeal this decision.Other progress includes work by local environmental groups to restore many acres of degraded estuary. The groups have a goal of restoring 24,000 acres by 2010. Shipwrecked vessels and other kinds of large marine debris have cluttered Galveston Bay for many years. A recent campaign has resulted in the removal of 21 items of marine debris from the bay in the past two years.

Upcoming Events

Eco-Ology, Tuesday 3 to 4 PM KPFT’s program dedicated to local hero’s at the forefront of environmental action, ecology in and for Our community, social justice, health, and spirit. Produced by Patricia Greer, HC Clark and Cath Conlon. Technical support … Continue reading →

NASA will conduct a Pre-proposal Adobe Connect/Teleconference to discuss NASA Education Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) Advanced STEM Training and Research (ASTAR) Fellowship. The call will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 4:00 PM ET. The purpose … Continue reading →

http://farmersmarket.rice.edu Offerings are seasonal and subject to the whims of Mother Nature and pests. If you would like general information regarding seasonal crops, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Produce Availability Guide. Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm on … Continue reading →

Swifts Over Houston Help the Audubon Society count local Chimney Swifts as part of their Swifts Over Houston program. You can join other birders at Pershing Middle School every Tuesday evening at dusk or check the website to find other … Continue reading →

Can a Bay Die of Thirst? Just like us, Galveston Bay needs fresh water to thrive. The Bay’s future will largely be determined by how water resources are managed. Join us for a presentation on efforts to ensure enough water remains … Continue reading →

Houston Sierra Club Outings Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 PM Tyson Broad, the Water Research Associate with the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club, will be one of the presenters with the Texas Living Waters Project P… Details: http://www.meetup.com/Houston-Sierra-Club-Outings/events/221491194/Share this:Click to … Continue reading →

http://www.pct3.hctx.net/CCMonthlyCalendar.aspx?cc=klebwoods Kleb Woods Nature Preserve (http://www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx) is a nice property in Tomball opened in the 1990’s. There is an impressive list of birds that they have seen on the property over the last many years of bird walks. You can … Continue reading →

Please join us for our next CWI workshop on April 1, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at H-GAC. The topic is In Stream Water Quality Monitoring. Speakers will discuss their current projects, special projects, investigations, reporting, lessons learned, and … Continue reading →

http://www.heartwoodtmn.org/whats-happening/chapter-meeting Join Us at the Monthly Chapter Meeting All Chapter members and prospective members are invited! 1st Wednesday of each month – 6:00 p.m. Chapter announcements + Guest Speaker Want to see the upcoming topics? Click here for the full … Continue reading →

Nature & Eclectic Outdoors (N.E.O.) Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 AM This has been rescheduled to April 2nd. NEO was asked to be a participant in Bayou Greenway Day on April 4th. The parks department is scheduling som… Details: http://www.meetup.com/joinneo/events/221346942/Share … Continue reading →

Coastal Prairie Partnership, in association with its conservation partners, will be conducting a listening tour this spring to assess the collaborative needs of prairie community. There will be five meetings this spring to assess collaborative opportunities to protect, restore, and … Continue reading →

This is a lunch hour training on how to be a BH Ambassador. Please feel free to bring your lunch into the office. Being a BikeHouston Ambassador fits right into your regular life and is not an extra commitment. BH … Continue reading →

The Westchase Farmers Market will open on Thursday, October 24. Sponsored by the Westchase District, the market will operate on Thursdays from 3-6 pm (4 to 7 pm during the summer months) in the parking lot of St. Cyril’s of Alexandria Church, 10503 Westheimer … Continue reading →

Ahlene Schong, one of our members, volunteers with the Prairie Builder program of Katy Prairie Conservancy. She played a role in helping design the demonstration prairie at Kolter Elementary School and will discuss how it’s used there. Della Barbato is … Continue reading →

Nature & Eclectic Outdoors (N.E.O.) Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM We will be doing a training hike along Buffalo Bayou. Please read this entire post. This hike will be appropriate for all members and fitness levels. … Details: http://www.meetup.com/joinneo/events/221268778/Share … Continue reading →

Egg-citing Animal Enrichment Join us as our animals participate in their very own Animal Egg Hunt! Our elephants, chimpanzees, meerkats, and even the baby Indian star tortoises in the Reptile House are receiving their own egg-themed enrichment throughout the day. … Continue reading →

Nature & Eclectic Outdoors (N.E.O.) Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM Meet at 6:45 by the sculpture in the middle of the park. “Meet up at the Historical Market Square Park at 301 Milam in downtown. It happens rain or … Continue reading →

On April 4, 2015, thousands of Houstonians will participate in an exciting new community event: Bayou Greenway Day 2015! This free, day-long event will offer individuals and teams the chance to walk, bike, run, stroll, play, and paddle between park … Continue reading →

Attention all runners, walkers and brunch enthusiasts: Memorial Park Conservancy’s Brunch Run is April 4, 2015! The 4 The Park Fun Run is back and we are thrilled to bring a brunch twist to the race this year. Brunch Run … Continue reading →

Houston Sierra Club Outings Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 AM On this outing we will hike at The Nature Conservancy’s Roy E. Larson Sandylands Preserve near Silsbee, Texas. This unique part of the Big Thicket is … Details: http://www.meetup.com/Houston-Sierra-Club-Outings/events/219010900/Share this:Click … Continue reading →

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) invites you to the Farmer’s Market in The Woodlands, in the Grogan’s Mill Center, which is now open year-round! Supporting Local Agriculture and Small Artisan Businesses for over 5 years! The Farmer’s Market is … Continue reading →

This class is for anyone who wants to build a vegetable or fruit garden at their home. Each step of the process will be demonstrated or shown in the garden. We will look at choosing a site, choosing soil, an … Continue reading →

The City of Houston Solid Waste Department and CompuCycle are providing monthly one day E-Recyclable collection events on the first Saturday of the month at the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride lot. This is primarily for City of Houston residents, … Continue reading →

Naturalist Explorers (ages 5‐8) Naturalist Explorers introduces children ages 5 to 8 to environmental and natural history topics in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. Classes include a short introduction inside followed by hands‐on, engaging activities outside. Parents are welcome to … Continue reading →

Enjoy a cup of Katz Coffee, learn from a renowned local expert, and get your Arboretum Certificate of Achievement in Science & Nature! During the first half of each class, this series of outdoor explorations of natural history will take … Continue reading →

Tadpole Troopers (ages 3-5) Tadpole Troopers is a nature class for parents and children to share together. Classes are designed for children ages 3 to 5 and offer opportunities for natural science investigations, crafts, and a guided walk with a naturalist. … Continue reading →

The first Saturday of each month from 9 am – 1 pm, KPC Volunteers meet at the Indiangrass Preserve’s Native Seed Nursery to water, weed, and pot seedlings. These plants are used to help restore native prairies on KPC properties and in other … Continue reading →

Every Saturday or Sunday morning. Shawn and Blinda Kelley will chat and chuckle about various gardening topics and the best plants to grow in Houston, while featuring Mercer staff members on the show. The radio show airs Saturday mornings from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Houston’s … Continue reading →

Get your Arboretum Certificate of Achievement in Science & Nature certifying your successful completion of each Nature Revealed class! During the first half of each class, this series of outdoor explorations of natural history will take you deep into … Continue reading →

The Big Thicket Association operates The Ivory Bill, a covered excursion boat on the Neches River for school field trips, social events and Nature classes. The boat operates on the open river, and is capable of navigating the shallows of … Continue reading →

Nature & Eclectic Outdoors (N.E.O.) Saturday, April 4 at 10:00 AM NEO has been invited to participate in Bayou Greenway Day! This is a day that celebrates the Bayou Greenway trail system that we all enjoy. This ev… Details: http://www.meetup.com/joinneo/events/221260600/Share … Continue reading →

Special program celebrating the wonders of nature! First Saturday of every month Free with general admission 10:00—noon * March 7: “Geocaching 101″ April 4: “Bicycling at BNC” May – “Kayaking”Share this:Click to email this to a friendShare on FacebookClick to … Continue reading →